Average Coloradans to Dems on Tax Hike: You Should Have Asked First

It is refreshing to see evidence of the good sense of average, hard-working Coloradans. Colorado Senate News once again took a camera to the 16th Street Mall and found plenty of passers-by willing to share their frustrations with Gov. Bill Ritter and Colorado Democrats for bypassing the state constitution’s requirement to ask voters first when they imposed their massive property tax hike:

The upshot? Everyday taxpayers surveyed along Denver’s 16th Street Mall all agreed: Whether or not the state really needs the extra revenue–a projected $3.8 billion over the next 10 years–voters should have asked for permission first. They’re not alone in that sentiment.

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers issued an opinion last year saying that the governor’s tax hike, passed by ruling Democrats in the General Assembly, should have been put on the ballot to ensure compliance with the state constitution.

A citizens group also took up the cause, suing the state for imposing tax hike–which froze the property mill levy throughout Colorado–without voters’ permission. And Republican Sen. Mike Kopp, of Littleton, and Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, are soon expected to introduce a measure referring the controversial tax hike back to the voters.

The Coloradans polled Tuesday on the Mall said it is about time they were consulted.

The $3.8 billion property tax increase is just one big reason the Colorado Democrats in power are not making themselves many friends these days.